Two grant schemes are helping local businesses to grow in the Richmondshire area.
The Small Business Grant Scheme is available for new business start-ups, and those businesses which are less than 36 months old and have no more than five employees. The grant can be used towards the purchase of equipment, marketing costs and adaptations to premises. Applications are invited to help cover 75% of project costs, up to a maximum of £1,000.
In the last two years more than £46,000 has been awarded to help 49 businesses in the area, including artists setting up local studios, a vehicle repair shop, and local food suppliers and retailers wanting to get projects off the ground.
Before businesses can apply for this scheme, they must have had a free one-to-one appointment with one of the business growth advisors. During this one-hour appointment, the experienced advisor will help with business plans, cash flow forecasts and talk through business ideas.
The Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy Scheme helps small businesses to employ apprentices of any age, who live in Richmondshire. The scheme provides a one-off grant of £2,000 for apprenticeships of Level 1 to 3 and £3,000 for apprenticeships of Level 4 plus.
Over the last two years, the scheme has helped support 44 employers and their apprentices from a wide range of backgrounds and trades, including hospitality and care, mechanics, electricians, carpenters and bricklayers. They have shared grants worth £95,000.
Read further information about the Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy Scheme.